Setting the EU standard for secure, adaptable and interoperable satellite communications to support military operations and the IRIS² constellation

SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium, May 7, 2025 /CNW/ — ST Engineering iDirect’s EU Satcom Centre of Excellence, ST Engineering iDirect Europe, based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, today announced the advancement of the European Protected Waveform (EPW) project to its second phase. Under the leadership of Belgium’s Ministry of Defence and with ST Engineering iDirect Europe as the consortium lead, this milestone marks significant progress in enhancing secure and autonomous satellite communications for Europe.

The project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing experts from industry, government and academia. This collaborative effort aims to develop a comprehensive, end-to-end waveform solution designed to ensure resilient and secure communications for military operations and critical government needs in increasingly complex operational environments.

With the foundation established during Phase 1 that laid the framework for the waveform’s initial development, Phase 2 focuses on the prototyping and integration of the EPW system. The goal is to provide secure, interoperable systems that align with Europe’s strategic initiatives, including the future IRIS² satellite constellation and the EU GovSatCom programme.

“Together with ST Engineering iDirect Europe, we are investing in the backbone of modern military operations: secure and reliable communication,” said Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence. “With support from the European Defence Fund, we are advancing technological innovation, strengthening strategic autonomy, and enhancing the safety of our troops. In today’s uncertain world, European cooperation in research and development is not a luxury — it’s an absolute necessity. This project aligns perfectly with our broader mission to modernise Defence and deepen European collaboration in R&D.”

“The advancement to EPW Phase 2 underscores the strategic importance of this initiative to bolster European autonomy in secure satellite communications,” said Koen Willems, Vice President, EU Programmes, at ST Engineering iDirect Europe. “This recognition by the European Defence Fund demonstrates the urgent necessity to address emerging threats and foster resilience for critical operations across Europe.”

The total investment in the EPW project now stands at €65 million, with €35 million dedicated to Phase 2 following the €30 million allocation in Phase 1. This investment highlights Europe’s commitment to advancing protected satellite communications and strengthening collaborative defence capabilities among its Member States.

The European Protected Waveform (Phase 2) is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of ST Engineering iDirect Europe only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

About ST Engineering iDirect Europe

ST Engineering iDirect Europe, located in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, is ST Engineering iDirect’s EU Satcom Center of Excellence specialising in the development of ground segment technology and solutions specifically for the EU. As a legal Belgian entity, ST Engineering iDirect Europe has its own board of directors to comply to the guidelines and conditions as put forward by the EU Commission and the Belgian Government. With over 35 years of experience, the ST Engineering iDirect portfolio of high-value product lines and services in addition to a dedicated team of domain specialists, and a ISO9001 certified manufacturing center the team has a portfolio of capabilities to cater to the specific needs of European funded satcoms programs. 

For more information visit https://www.idirect.net/st-engineering-idirect-europe/

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SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect Europe

TAIPEI, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ProLogium Technology, the global leader in LCB-based next-generation battery innovation, today announced a strategic partnership with Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power. Together, the two companies will co-develop a 24V LCB (Lithium Ceramic Battery) module tailored for construction machinery applications, with plans to jointly unveil the technology at CES 2026.

This collaboration marks another significant milestone in ProLogium’s global new energy strategy, showcasing its technological prowess and growing market influence. Looking ahead, the two parties will continue deepening their cooperation—expanding the deployment of clean energy solutions not only in construction but also across broader energy sectors, paving the way for a more sustainable industrial future.

Synergy-Driven Innovation for Heavy Machinery

This partnership combines ProLogium’s cutting-edge battery technology with Kyushu Electric Power’s expertise in module design and end-user integration. The result: a high-performance, durable, and versatile energy solution tailored to the demanding operational needs of construction machinery. ProLogium will supply its industry-leading lithium ceramic batteries, while Kyushu Electric Power will take the lead in developing the 24V modules and integrating them into heavy equipment for end users.

Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, ProLogium’s LCB modules offer several compelling advantages:

Enhanced Safety: ProLogium’s next-generation battery utilizes a fully inorganic electrolyte and highly stable cathode and anode materials, effectively minimizing risks of thermal runaway and fire. It is equipped with an Active Safety Mechanism (ASM) that automatically activates under high-temperature conditions, significantly improving safety performance in demanding operational environments. High Energy Density: Without compromising safety, ProLogium employs high-activity materials such as a 100% silicon composite anode to substantially boost energy density. This allows for a more compact and lightweight battery pack while delivering outstanding range and power performance—ideal for heavy machinery where both performance and space efficiency are critical. Outstanding Low-Temperature Performance: Engineered to operate reliably in extreme cold, the battery ensures stable operation and sustained power output, supporting heavy machinery in prolonged, high-intensity tasks under low-temperature conditions. Fast Charging × Durability for Optimized Operational Efficiency: With outstanding fast-charging capability, ProLogium batteries significantly reduce charging time, lowering equipment downtime and replacement frequency. This not only eases the burden of procuring backup vehicles but also enhances operational continuity. Coupled with long service life and high performance, the solution offers greater stability, reduced maintenance costs, and improved overall operational efficiency.

The collaboration will make its first public appearance at CES 2026, where the companies will jointly showcase their technical achievements and engage with potential partners.

Advancing Low-Carbon Transformation in the Heavy Industry Sector

Beyond improving operational efficiency, the partnership aims to promote greener, more resource-efficient industrial practices. By cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution, and increasing energy utilization, ProLogium and Kyushu Electric Power aspire to offer sustainable battery solutions for the future. ProLogium’s next-gen LCBs maintain stable performance under harsh environmental conditions—maximizing energy efficiency.

The collaboration aligns with global trends toward carbon neutrality and green technology, leading the construction machinery industry toward a cleaner, low-carbon future. With its high safety standards, energy density, fast-charging capability, and excellent low-temperature discharge performance, ProLogium’s lithium ceramic battery is not only ideal for electric vehicles but also well-suited for heavy-duty applications and beyond.

Vincent Yang, founder and chairman of ProLogium stated:

“As the world accelerates its shift toward sustainability, electrification in construction and heavy industries is both urgent and inevitable. We are honored to partner with Kyushu Electric Power to bring our next-generation LCB technology into the heavy machinery sector, elevating energy efficiency, safety, and endurance.

Together, we are committed to advancing green energy transformation and building a low-carbon, sustainable future. This partnership enables us to deliver longer-range energy solutions for heavy-duty operations, enhance productivity with fast-charging capabilities, and ensure stable battery performance in extreme cold—all contributing to the electrification of heavy industry and a cleaner future for global infrastructure.”

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SOURCE ProLogium

LOS ANGELES, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viewers can discover the unseen efforts and cutting-edge technologies ensuring the reliability of America’s essential energy infrastructure in an upcoming segment of “All Access with Andy Garcia,” featuring the dedicated professionals at Charps.

Consumers can go behind the scenes with “All Access with Andy Garcia” to witness the critical work performed daily by the tradesmen and women of Charps. Set to film later this year, this insightful segment will explore how their specialized skills and unwavering commitment maintain and upgrade the nation’s vital oil and gas pipelines. Viewers will also gain a fascinating look at PipeSense, innovative AI-powered technology that provides round-the-clock monitoring, acting as an intelligent guardian to safeguard both communities and the environment. This story highlights the dedication and ingenuity powering the infrastructure that underpins our daily lives.

“Maintaining America’s energy infrastructure is about more than keeping the lights on — it’s about shaping a safer, smarter future,” said Joe Van Vynckt, CEO of Charps. “By merging our field-proven expertise with real-time AI technology like PipeSense, we’re not only responding to today’s challenges but anticipating tomorrow’s needs.”

The demand for energy in America continues its upward trajectory, placing unprecedented pressure on an aging infrastructure network, some of which has served the nation for over half a century. Addressing this challenge requires not only a dedicated and highly trained workforce but also the integration of forward-thinking technological solutions. Charps embodies this comprehensive commitment, providing a skilled team of tradespeople equipped to tackle the unique and often complex demands of pipeline maintenance and critical upgrades, frequently operating in challenging and remote terrains. Complementing their essential boots-on-the-ground expertise is PipeSense, a cutting-edge AI system that continuously analyzes a wealth of pipeline condition data, capable of detecting even minute anomalies in real-time. This powerful fusion of invaluable human skill and sophisticated artificial intelligence represents a significant leap forward in proactively ensuring the enhanced safety, long-term efficiency, and overall reliability of our nation’s vital energy transportation network, ultimately playing a crucial role in protecting the diverse communities through which these essential arteries run. This upcoming segment aims to significantly broaden public understanding of the immense and often unseen effort, alongside the remarkable technological innovation, that is fundamentally involved in the continuous process of keeping America reliably powered and its environment safeguarded for generations to come.

About All Access with Andy Garcia: “All Access with Andy Garcia” is a Public Television program that takes viewers on a journey to explore the inner workings of dynamic companies and their contributions to various sectors. Hosted by the acclaimed actor Andy Garcia, the program aims to educate and inspire audiences by showcasing the dedication and innovation driving American businesses. Learn more at: https://www.allaccessptv.com/

About Charps LLC: Charps LLC is a leading provider of specialized services for the maintenance, integrity, and upgrade of critical infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines. With a dedicated team of skilled tradespeople and a commitment to innovation, Charps ensures the reliability and safety of these essential assets. Their family of companies includes NorMinn Industrial, TVT, and PipeSense, a developer of cutting-edge AI-powered pipeline monitoring technology. Learn more at: https://www.charps.com/

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SOURCE All Access